Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 28th, 2022–Nov 29th, 2022

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Kananaskis, Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, North 40, Spray - KLakes.

Up to 40cm of storm snow is out still producing avalanches. Conservative route finding is still in order.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

The mountain rescue team was out on a flight today and observed a lot of terrain. Numerous loose dry avalanche activity was observed throughout K-Country with the odd 15-20cm slab avalanche on lee features.

Snowpack Summary

There is approximately 30-40cm of storm snow that consists mostly of loose dry snow, along with some wind slab formation on lee features. This interface between the new and old snow will continue to be a concern for triggering, especially with more snow forecast on Wednesday and Thursday. The bottom 40cm of the snowpack is mostly facets that got shaped during the draught.

Weather Summary

Expect a mix of sun and cloud for Tuesday with temperatures between -17c and -25c. At least winds will be light out of the North. More snow on the way starting Wednesday. Stay tuned...:)

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Ice climbers should be equipped with avalanche safety gear.

Problems

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.